A few years ago Apartment Therapy took a tour of illustrator/fine artist Lisa Vanin’s Pint-Size Storybook Nook in Toronto. With the current challenges and sky rocketing rents in the city, rather than move somewhere new when she started to feel restless, Lisa decided to stay put and change the decor to give the space a new and fresh feeling. Check out the updates that she’s made to her “old fashioned” space. —

Like many freelancers Lisa mainly works from home. And like many people working from a small home, it can feel a bit tight at times, especially when you can see your office from your bedroom! But after seven years living in a space smaller than 400 square feet, Lisa’s mastered the art of living well. Thriving in a small space…not just surviving.

“I tend to begin my day with a cup of tea, quickly followed by getting organized, running errands, preparing meals, and working on the less creative side of my business (sending emails, packing and shipping orders, paperwork, etc). I like to work on my paintings best in the late afternoon and evening, so I enjoy the feeling of being free of distractions and having only my art to focus on,” she describes of her typical work day in her studio apartment.

How do you separate your work and non-work life when your office is located in the middle of your home? Lisa says it’s errands first, art after. “By separating my day in this way, I find it helps me to keep my workspace tidy and productive. Because I can see most of my apartment from every corner, having a made bed and dishes put away helps me feel relaxed and ready to paint. I have a hard time getting into a creative mindset if I can see unfinished chores all around me.”

Sure, working from home can have its challenges. But for Lisa, they’re minimal compared to the wealth of advantages she sees in her arrangement. She can work on hobbies when she’s in between painting jobs. She loves to cook, preserve, tend to her plants and hang out with her pets, which include lovely cats and an aquarium.

“The challenges I have working from home don’t outweigh the advantages. I can’t fit some of the equipment I’d like to have in my small space, but I’m happy to get out and use other studio spaces, plus it’s a great way to fit in some socializing.”

And when the walls of a 390-square-foot studio apartment start to feel like they’re closing in on her, Lisa knows what to do: “I also often pack a little travel studio and work out in nature, which is quite a change of scenery.”

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Natural Cottage Vintage

Inspiration: Cabins, nature, Tasha Tudor’s Home, hand-crafted modern

Favorite Element: The interest created by my curated collections and vignettes.

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Sponsors for Needed Phoebe’s Pageant Fund

Phoebe was invited and attended an open call for National American Miss on May 18th. After being interview by the committee she was chosen as one of New Jersey's state finalist. Our next step for Phoebe to proceed is attaining sponsors. As we all know times are tough however, she would appreciate any amount you would be able to contribute. Phoebe is very excited to represent her state in August. The pageant goals are for her to gain poise and self-confidence, practice speaking in front of a live audience, and become actively involved in her community. All donations are tax deductible for businesses as an advertising expense. All sponsors will be listed in the state year book. Thank you for your time whether you chose to sponsor or not. The Armstead Family Help spread the word!